Koelling, Holly, ed. Best Books for Young Adults

Kliatt, Nov, 2007 by Claire Rosser

KOELLING, Holly, ed. Best books for young adults. (3rd ed.) American Library Association. 346p. bibliogs, index. 978-0-8389-3569-9. $42.00. (members $3750.) JSA

There is an analysis of the Best Books for Young Adults lists, especially in the past ten years. A 50-page chapter addresses Current Trends in Teen Publishing and Best Books for Young Adults, with sections on books for older teens, authors known for writing for adults now writing for YAs, chick-lit, international authorship, verse fiction, graphic novels and so forth. The bulk of the book consists of themed lists from BBYA lists from 2000-2006. Here we find lists on such topics as humor, families, historical fiction, friendship, fantasy, grief, love, identity, mystery, adventure, and so on. Fewer lists are here for nonfiction: biography, exceptional women, fascinating true stories, the world in conflict.

Part II of this reference work consists of the Best Books listed by author, by year (from 1966), the Best of the Best list, and Ten Years of BBYA Top Tens, 1997-2006, and finally a lengthy comprehensive index. YA librarians will find this reference book useful, and YA readers will find ideas for their own reading in the helpful lists. Claire Rosser, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.